Football news

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has shrugged off his two-match touchline ban following his dismissal during his side’s 5-1 Copa del Rey win over Murcia in midweek.

The former Inter boss was sent from the dugout for protesting too much to referee Jose Luis Paradas Romero. He will return to the dug-out for Real’s clash with Barcelona at the Nou Camp on November 29.

Mourinho said: “There is no problem. It is better that it is me than an important player.

“Football is full of situations in which control gets lost. I have to accept my errors. When I see Paradas Romero again I will apologise to him.”

Kacar adds to Hamburg’s woes

Serbia midfielder Gojko Kacar has joined Hamburg’s nine-strong list of walking wounded after limping out of the defeat to Bundesliga leaders Dortmund with damaged ligaments in his right ankle.

The 23-year-old came off after just 30 minutes of Hamburg’s 2-0 defeat at Dortmund on Friday.

Kacar is thought to have torn ankle ligaments and joins forwards Ruud van Nistelrooy and Eljero Elia, midfielder Marcell Jansen, defenders Dennis Aogo and Dennis Diekmeier and goalkeeper Frank Rost on the injury list.

In total, Hamburg have nine players out injured.

Ward: Fabregas not to blame

Wolves defender Stephen Ward has absolved Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas of any blame regarding the tackle which left him needing four stitches in a gashed shin.

Ward had to be stretchered off during the closing stages of Wednesday’s clash between the sides at Molineux after being on the receiving end of Fabregas’s challenge.

The Gunners midfielder was yellow carded for the touch-line tackle but Ward has exonerated the Spanish star who apologised after the game in the Wolves dressing room.

He said: “It’s a little bit sore but it’s just one of those things. Thankfully it’s nothing serious. I’ve no problems about the tackle. It happens in football and everyone tackles.

“He (Fabregas) is not a malicious player and I know there was no intent.”

Zarate decision in January, Lotito says

Lazio owner Claudi o Lotito said a decision on Mauro Zarate’s possible transfer will be taken in January.

The Argentine striker is at odds with coach Edy Reja and on Wednesday he headed straight to the dressing room when substituted against Cesena.

Lotito said: “Will we sell Zarate? It’s only November. The transfer market window opens in January and we’ll talk about it then.”

The player’s agent, and brother, is trying to calm the waters though.

“I spoke to Mauro and he was very depressed, but not because of the substitution, rather because Lazio lost at Cesena,” Sergio Zarate said.

“We have a contract with Lazio and at this moment in time have not considered any other alternatives.”

Bendtner issues quit threat

Arsenal’s Nicklas Bendtner has threatened to quit the English Premier League side if he is not given more playing time by manager Arsene Wenger, reports said yesterday.

The Danish striker has started only two games this season after injury but feels he is being overlooked by the Frenchman.

Bendtner said: “If the situation doesn’t change, I’ll look for a transfer. That’s obvious. I feel I’ve done everything right in getting back to fitness.”

Wenger seems reluctant to change a successful formula. Comparing Arsenal’s campaign to a train, he said no one would be leaving the club.

He said: “You ask me ‘we are on a train, who wants to go to the terminal station and that means nobody moves out when the train is ­moving’.”

Zidane appointed to advisory role

Real Madrid have appointed Zinedine Zidane as a presidential advisor to the first team.

The role means the former World Cup winner will be on hand to assist president Florentino Perez and coach Jose Mourinho and will have regular contact with the first team.

A statement said: “The reasoning for his appointment is to assist in optimising first-team working conditions.

“Zidane will be readily available to the president and coach for all matters concerning Real Madrid’s first team, with whom he will keep in frequent contact.”

Zidane spent five seasons at Madrid between 2001 and 2006, scoring a memorable volleyed winner in their Champions League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen in 2002.

Agbonlahor aims to be one-club man

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor believes he will become a one-club player like Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard after signing a new four-and-a-half year contract.

Agbonlahor has committed himself to Villa until at least the summer of 2015 and has hinted he will be happy to remain with the midlands club for the remainder of his career.

The 24-year-old is a product of Villa’s academy and made his first-team debut under David O’Leary four years ago.

“I am happy to commit to the club. I’m delighted to carry on and sign this new contract. I am happy and I just want to keep on playing for Villa,” Agbonlahor said.

“It’s my childhood club. It’s the club I support and love.”